AEA reports rise of 4.8% for 40hp plus

TRACTOR sales for 1995 totalled exactly 19,000 units, reports the Agricultural Engineers Association – an increase of 4.8% on the previous year for tractors over 40hp.

And prospects for 1996 look promising. The association predicts sales will hold at a firm level for at least the first part of the year, with the market for the second half of the year dependent on the weather and its effect on the cereal harvest.

But beyond 1996 the situation is not so clear. With the prospect of a series of CAP reforms, lower incomes and an industry largely up to date with its machinery replacement requirements could see sales figures decline in years to come. &#42